So, how does one live a healthy, happy life well beyond today’s average life expectancy? Lee points out a number of practical ways to increase health and vitality on all levels—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. One of the tools he offers us is something he calls One-Minute Exercise.

One-Minute Exercise was created during a hectic time in Lee’s life—when spending hours at the gym was simply out of the question. He knew he needed to step up his physical game as he aged, but how? He began experimenting a bit and came up with a formula: do a mere one minute of moderate to vigorous exercise every hour on the hour. This might look like a minute of jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, bear walking, running in place, or any combination of exercises like these. As long as you’re moving and reconnecting with your body within this short one-minute window of time, you’re doing it right.

In a typical day, you would do ten sets in total. That’s just ten minutes of vigorous exercise a day without those costly trips to the gym! Lee recommends adding in a bit of simple stretching and yoga at your own leisure to alleviate muscle aches and pains. But, that’s it! That’s the gist of One-Minute Exercise—a simple yet effective way to maintain physical health in the second half of life.

If you’re willing and able, do more than a minute. Do whatever works for you. Just make sure you get in at least one minute of exercise at the top of every hour during the major part of your day, especially those hours when you’re normally sitting. If you’re injured or disabled in some way, do whatever you can. Just make sure to get moving.

The benefits of high-intensity exercise, in short bursts, are truly amazing when it comes to living a long, healthy life. You increase your lung capacity, your heart rate, and your body temperature. Work up a sweat when you can to detox your entire system. And, most importantly—have fun! You can have a great time with high-intensity exercise when it’s only for a minute! To get started with One-Minute Exercise today, consider getting yourself the one-minute exercise App called One Minute Change. It will support your efforts along the way.

One-Minute Exercise is just one of the many tools Ilchi Lee offers us in his truly inspiring I’ve Decided to Live 120 Years. Stay tuned to this blog for more longevity tips and tricks!

Aimee Hughes

Aimee Hughes is a holistic health and yoga writer who has been traveling and exploring the world of natural health and wellness, yoga, dance, and travel for the past two decades. She is the author of a self-published vegan cookbook, The Sexy Vegan Kitchen: Culinary Adventures in Love & Sex, available on Amazon. Aimee is a regular contributor to On Fitness and the lead writer and health consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico. More by Aimee Hughes